French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Featured in side-dishes.

Look at this gorgeous golden masterpiece! Those caramelized onions on top are absolutely stunning - they're perfectly browned and glistening with that sweet, savory goodness. The cheese is bubbling and golden, creating the most incredible crispy top while underneath lies layers of creamy, tender potatoes. This is comfort food at its absolute finest! The way those onions are caramelized to perfection tells me this dish has been loved and carefully prepared. You can practically smell the rich, savory aroma through the screen. This is the kind of dish that brings families together and creates lasting memories. Trust me, once you make this, it'll become your go-to comfort food recipe!

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Updated on Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:33:26 GMT
Golden bubbly French onion funeral potatoes with caramelized onions and melted cheese in white baking dish pin it
Golden bubbly French onion funeral potatoes with caramelized onions and melted cheese in white baking dish | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered this heavenly combination at a church potluck where someone had brought what looked like regular funeral potatoes, but with an incredible twist. The moment I took that first bite, I knew this wasn't your typical casserole. The sweet, caramelized onions had transformed the entire dish into something extraordinary. The creamy potato base was perfectly seasoned, but those onions - they were like little pockets of sweet, savory heaven scattered throughout. The cheese on top had formed this gorgeous golden crust that gave way to the most incredibly creamy interior. I spent the entire evening trying to figure out what made it so special, and when I finally asked the cook, she winked and said it was her "French onion secret." That night, I went home determined to recreate it, and after several attempts, I finally nailed the perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions, creamy potatoes, and golden cheese. Now it's become my signature dish, and every time I make it, I think about that first magical bite that changed everything.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this recipe is how it takes a beloved classic and elevates it to something truly spectacular. The caramelized onions add this incredible depth of flavor that makes every bite interesting and complex. There's something so satisfying about the contrast between the sweet, jammy onions and the rich, creamy potatoes. The texture is absolutely perfect - creamy and comforting, but with that gorgeous golden top that adds just the right amount of textural contrast. It's one of those dishes that makes people slow down and really savor each bite. I love how it brings people together around the table, how it sparks conversations and creates memories. The aroma alone fills the entire house with warmth and comfort. But beyond all that, I love how this recipe represents the beauty of taking something familiar and making it your own. It shows that even the most beloved classics can be improved upon with a little creativity and love. Every time I serve this, I'm reminded that the best recipes aren't just about feeding people - they're about creating moments of joy and connection.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Russet Potatoes: Peel and slice into thin, uniform rounds for even cooking
  • Yellow Onions: Slice thinly and caramelize slowly until deep golden brown
  • Heavy Cream: Mix with sour cream and cream cheese for rich base
  • Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh for best melting and flavor
  • Gruyere Cheese: Adds nutty complexity to the cheese blend
  • Cream Cheese: Soften to room temperature before mixing

Let's Make These Together

Caramelize the onions perfectly
Start by heating butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes. Don't rush this step - the slow cooking is what develops those deep, sweet flavors that make this dish special. The onions should turn a beautiful golden brown color.
Layer the potatoes strategically
Peel your potatoes and slice them into thin, uniform rounds. Layer half of them in your greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly like shingles on a roof. This creates the perfect base for all those delicious flavors to meld together.
Create the creamy mixture
In a bowl, whisk together your heavy cream, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Season this mixture well with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. This creamy base is what makes the dish so incredibly rich and satisfying.
Build those beautiful layers
Now comes the fun part! Spread half of your caramelized onions over the first layer of potatoes, then pour half of that creamy mixture over everything. Add your remaining potatoes, then the rest of the onions and cream. Each layer builds on the last to create that perfect bite.
Top with cheese and bake
Mix your grated cheddar and Gruyere cheeses together and sprinkle evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving - this helps everything set perfectly.
Recipe picture pin it
Indulgent French onion funeral potatoes with layers of tender potatoes caramelized onions and bubbly cheese | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I discovered this twist on funeral potatoes completely by accident when I had leftover caramelized onions from making French onion soup. Instead of letting them go to waste, I decided to fold them into my usual funeral potato recipe. The result was absolutely incredible! The sweet, jammy onions paired with the creamy potatoes created this amazing depth of flavor that reminded me of the best French onion soup, but in casserole form. Now I always make extra caramelized onions just so I can make this version. The golden top gets so beautifully caramelized, and when you dig your spoon in, you get these gorgeous layers of creamy potatoes and those perfectly sweet onions. It's become my signature dish at every potluck, and people always ask for the recipe. The best part is watching everyone's face light up when they take that first bite - it's pure comfort food magic!

Perfect Pairings

These French Onion Funeral Potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats like prime rib, grilled chicken, or glazed ham. The rich, creamy texture complements lighter proteins perfectly. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans. For beverages, try a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay. The dish also works wonderfully as part of a holiday spread with turkey, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls.

Creamy potato casserole topped with perfectly browned caramelized onions and golden cheese fresh from oven pin it
Creamy potato casserole topped with perfectly browned caramelized onions and golden cheese fresh from oven | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they're starchy and break down slightly during baking, creating that perfect creamy texture. Yukon Gold can also work, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.

→ How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?

Properly caramelized onions should be deep golden brown, jammy in texture, and sweet in flavor. This process takes 30-40 minutes - don't rush it! They should be significantly reduced in volume and have a glossy appearance.

→ Can I substitute any of the cheeses?

Yes! While cheddar and Gruyere create the perfect flavor combination, you can substitute Swiss for Gruyere or use a sharp white cheddar. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn't melt as smoothly.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions. The oven method maintains the best texture.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You can also freeze baked portions for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This French Onion Funeral Potatoes recipe combines the best of comfort food with gourmet flavors. The caramelized onions add a sweet depth that elevates the classic dish, while the creamy potato base provides the perfect canvas. It's rich, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. The golden, bubbly top and tender interior make every bite a celebration of comfort food at its finest.

French Onion Funeral Potatoes

Rich and creamy potato casserole topped with caramelized onions and golden melted cheese for ultimate comfort.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
75 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes
By: chris

Category: side-dishes

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

013 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
023 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
031 cup heavy cream
042 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
051 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
064 tablespoons butter
071/2 cup sour cream
084 oz cream cheese, softened

Instructions

Step 01

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until deep golden brown and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel and slice potatoes into thin rounds. Layer half the potatoes in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, overlapping slightly.

Step 03

In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 04

Spread half the caramelized onions over the first potato layer, then pour half the cream mixture over. Add remaining potatoes, onions, and cream mixture.

Step 05

Top with mixed cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake 20-30 minutes more until golden and bubbly.

Step 06

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve hot.

Notes

  1. Take your time caramelizing the onions - this is key to the flavor depth
  2. Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking
  3. Can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready
  4. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet for caramelizing onions
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife for slicing
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, cream, butter)
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Milk proteins

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 16 g

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